Visual Merchandiser
Katie Teague
What is a Visual Merchandiser?
A Visual Merchandiser (also known as window dresses or display assistants) use their skills to help promote the image, products and services of a retail Business. They create eye-catching product displays and store layouts to attract customers and encourage them to buy.
Responibilties of a Visual Merchandiser...
The different types of activities undertaken will depend on the employer and level of seniority. Visual merchandisers working at higher levels can be based within head office teams or at larger or flagship stores.
- Working in teams such as buying, design and marketing to create design themes and plans, often months in advance, including window and in-store displays.
- Conducting research on current and future trends in design and lifestyle.
- Meeting with business, sales managers and retail managers to discuss sale strategies
- sourcing props, fabrics, hardware and lighting
- Creating merchandising packs to communicate visual guidelines including layout, dressings, signage.
- assembling and dismantling visual displays in windows or in-store.
- Leading and motivating teams to complete displays to a tight deadline.
Salary
- Assistant visual merchandiser salaries will around £12,000 - £18,000 depending on experience and in-store or field function.
- Experienced or management roles can attract starting salaries of £20,000 to £27,000 with senior levels starting on around £30,000. Those working at director or international levels can earn between £45,000 and £60,000 per annum.
Hours
- Working hours are typically 35 to 40 hours across a week. Early morning starts or late night finishes are common, as work must generally take place before businesses are open for trade. If conducting a complete store redesign, overtime or overnight work may be required.
- Many roles are full time, but part-time hours may be available.
Lakeside M&S Visual Merchandising Role
Qualifications
It is not essential to be a graduate to become a VM, but having a degree in one of these two-year foundation level degrees will give you an advantage;
- Fashion buying and merchandising
- Visual merchandising and promotional
- Visual merchandising
Other useful degree such as;
- fashion design;
- fine art;
- interior design;
- surface pattern design;
- textiles;
- 3D design.
Some major retailers do have graduate schemes for visual merchandising, but these are not very common. Many higher level visual merchandisers gain experience by working their way up from the shop floor.
Skills needed...
a talent for design, colour and style;
- creative flair and imagination;
- strong interest in current and future design trends;
- visual/spatial awareness and manual dexterity;
- effective communication and negotiation skills;
- engaging and working well with a range of teams;
- able to work with constructive criticism.